CALLING ALL FARMERS! FREE AGRICULTURAL GRANT OPPORTUNITY WORKSHOP TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 12TH

Hosted by Senator Patty Ritchie and the Jefferson County Agricultural Development Council

In an effort to help farmers and others in the agriculture industry grow their businesses, State Senator Patty Ritchie—in conjunction with the Jefferson County Agricultural Development Council—will host a free Agricultural Grant Opportunity Workshop on Thursday, December 12th.

Featuring information on a variety of funding and loan programs, the event will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, located at 203 North Hamilton Street in Watertown.

“As Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, it’s a top priority for me to find ways to help farmers meet the challenges they face and help them grow New York State’s already thriving agriculture economy,” said Senator Ritchie.

“This event will truly be a one stop shop for anyone looking to learn about resources available to help those in the industry expand, thrive, improve their bottom lines and as a result, boost our state’s economy as a whole.”

Information about grants and funding opportunities in the following areas will be available:

Wineries, cider and craft brewing

Dairy profit teams

Research and development grants

Energy efficiency

USDA grants and loans

A schedule of presenters is as follows:

Time

Room A

Room B

2:00 – 2:30

Michelle Capone with the Development Authority of the North Country

Michael Mannigan from USDA Rural Development

2:30 – 3:00

John VanDeLoo with the Empire State Development Corporation. “One Stop Shop” for farm based wine, breweries, and cidery development

Jerry Loch with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson

3:00 – 3:30

David Grusenmeyer from New York Farm Viability Institute

David Zembiec from Jefferson County Local Development Corporation

3:30 – 4:00

Jay Matteson, Jefferson County Agricultural Coordinator

Those interested in attending must register by December 9th by calling the Jefferson County Local Development Corporation at (315) 782-5865 or by emailing coordinator@comefarmwithus.com